-Liberia’s Minister of State Without Portfolio tells BWI administration
By Jerromie S. Walters
The Booker T. Washington Institute BWI venerated its 95th Founders Day over the weekend and the Keynote Speaker, Liberia’s Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, was emphatic about the need for a culture of entrepreneurship and practical skills at the institution (BWI) to drive business incubation and industrial development in Liberia.
The female cabinet, at the occasion Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Kakata, Margibi County, urged the institution to pave the way for the next century by transforming into a University of Science and Technology, which the President earlier hinted about. “To build a successful future, we must shift our focus from grievances to opportunities. The story of the “Yellow Machine” is a poignant example of this. Instead of viewing challenges as insurmountable, we must see them as opportunities for innovation and growth. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and practical skills, BWI can become a hub of business incubation and industrial development in Liberia,” she said.
The Booker T. Washington Institute Inc. (BWI) was founded in 1929; the realization of a dream envisaged by the late Liberian President Charles D.B. King and made possible with support from the Phelps Stokes Foundation, of New York, U.S.A., and the Board of the Methodist Church in the U.S.A. The Institute is named in honor of the late African American Economic rights leader, Booker T. Washington (1856-1915).
Elaborating on the theme: BWI: Paving the Way for the Next Century, Minister Bility emphasized the importance of excelling in fields such as agriculture, automotive mechanics, business education, construction technology, electricity, electronics, and domestic science to lay the foundation for a great University of Science and Technology. She highlighted the need to adapt the curriculum to prepare students for the challenges of the digital age and to link scientific and industrial education to the broader economy.
Her words: “Booker T. Washington’s timeless advice to “cast your buckets where you are” remains relevant today. BWI must continue to excel in fields such as agriculture, automotive mechanics, business education, construction technology, electricity, electronics, and domestic science. These disciplines will form the foundation of a great University of Science and Technology.”
She accentuated the importance of building a strong foundation for progress, rather than aiming to start at the top. She urged BWI to commit to preparing a workforce capable of driving Liberia’s industrial growth and emphasized the collective effort needed to address critical questions and ensure that educational programs meet the demands of the 21st century. Addressing the need to embrace opportunities and overcome challenges, Minister Bility shared the story of the “Yellow Machine” as an example of turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
Lessons from History and Future Vision
In the opinion of Minister Bility, the existing global interest in Liberia’s nonrenewable resources proposes an option to redefine the nation’s approach to higher education. As such, she says Innovative Mineral Development Agreements (MDAs) must prioritize human capacity development.
“Innovative Mineral Development Agreements (MDAs) must prioritize human capacity development, ensuring that the exploitation of our resources translates into tangible benefits for our people. BWI must continue to focus on preparing a skilled workforce, essential for sustainable social and economic growth,” she said. The Minister of State Without Portfolio emphasized: “Future MDAs should mandate investments in key areas: food security, infrastructure, energy, sanitation, and tourism. These investments will ensure that local communities benefit from resource extraction and that BWI plays a central role in this development.”
Commenting on the Convergence of Interests and Opportunities, Minister Bility stated: “Understanding our past is essential to shaping our future. In the 1920s, the convergence of interests among the Liberian Government, the US Government, and the Firestone Rubber Company led to the creation of BWI. Today, a similar convergence of interests can drive the establishment of BWI University of Science and Technology. By leveraging partnerships with the private sector and embracing emerging technologies, BWI can create a vibrant institution that fosters innovation and economic growth.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of State Without Portfolio reminded the institution that the future of Liberia’s economy hinges on sustainable growth, which requires a robust and inclusive infrastructure and encouraged its (BWI) preparedness to guide this modification. Minister Bility, “The future of Liberia’s economy hinges on sustainable growth, which requires a robust and inclusive infrastructure. BWI, with its technical and industrial focus, is poised to lead the way in this transformation. A well-planned and executed infrastructure, supported by advanced education in science and technology, will ensure sustainable development. BWI can be the cornerstone of this development, linking industrial growth with the exploration of our natural resources.”
Historicity
Founded in 1929, the Minister of State Without Portfolio, referenced the Booker Washington Agricultural and Industrial Institute’s ardent history as the first agricultural and vocational school in West Africa. “Since its inception, Minister Bilityacknowledged that BWI has played a crucial role in shaping Liberia’s industrial landscape, preparing a skilled workforce that has driven the country’s progress for nearly a century. “The contributions of BWI graduates are evident in every major industry in Liberia,” she said.
She tells the principal, “Madam principal, your presence here today signifies President Boakai’s steadfast commitment to the vision of a prosperous and innovative Liberia. His leadership will inspire the BWI community to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the Third Industrial Revolution, characterized by digital technologies and new media.”
She earlier noted, “The theme for today’s celebration, “BWI People Taking Matters into Their Own Hands for Positive Change,” is both timely and inspiring as we prepare to enter BWI’s second century. The collective efforts of BWI’s distinguished alumni, dedicated faculty, bright students, committed staff, the Margibi community, and supportive industries will undoubtedly shape a new era of excellence for this institution.” In addition to her role as keynote Speaker, Minister Bility was Inducted, along with Dr. Evelyn Kandakai, Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh, and others as honorable members of the Booker T. Washington’s (BWI) Alumni Association.
Rebranding BWI
To further rebrand BWI as it celebrates its 95th anniversary, Dr. Nancy Freeman, the Institution’s newly indicted Principal appealed to the international community for financial assistance, training for the workforce, better pay for staff, renovation of dormitories and trade departments, and the construction of more academic and residential buildings.
Dr. Freeman urged everyone to remember the great men and women who have worked tirelessly to sustain the institution over the years. She expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia, the European Union, the United Nations Industries Development Organization (UNIDO), Youth Rising, IECD, USAID, Peace Corps, the Swedish Government, and GIZ for their support in strengthening BWI’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
Reflecting on the institution’s history, Dr. Freeman shared the story of former President Charles Dunbar Burgess King, who was inspired by Tuskegee University in the United States to establish a similar institution in Liberia. Today, BWI stands as a testament to his vision and continues to strive for excellence in technical education.
Earlier, Liberia’s Education Minister, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallahexpressed confidence in Dr. Nancy Freeman, as she takes charge as BWI’s new principal. She said her trust in Dr. Freeman is backed by her recent experience of the splendid performance of women who are heading schools across the country, following her nationwide tour.
